Method and apparatus for practicing a golf swing

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for practicing a golf stroke is disclosed. A light projecting apparatus is provided for placement on a shaft of a golf club. A beam of light from the apparatus is projected downwardly onto a surface below a club head of the golf club and is adapted to form a cross pattern of light on the surface. The cross pattern includes a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of a striking face of the club head and a second line of light extends through the striking face. The golfer may use the cross pattern of light to practice improving their putting or golf stroke technique. In another embodiment, the cross pattern of light may be modified into a line or dot of light.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf clubs and, more particularly, toan apparatus and method for aiding and improving a player's golf swing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the keys to a successful golf game is the golf swing. Golf is asport which requires a substantial amount of skill and practice. Thereare many technical aspects of a golf swing that can affect thecharacteristics of a golf shot. For example, stance, backswing andfollow-through can affect the distance and accuracy of a golf shot. Inorder to be successful at golf, a golfer should have a consistent, yettechnically sound swing. That is, a golfer wants a good swing, but also,in most situations, wants to swing the golf club the same way every time(i.e., consistency).

A golfer practices to improve their swing or golf stroke. When a golferdoes not maintain a technically sound swing, a golf ball is often slicedor hooked. One common reason is that the golfer twists his or her wristsor arms unconsciously after his or her address position in the course ofa swing. As a result, the club face may be opened or closed, which makesthe golf ball slice or hook. It is important to maintain the properposition of the arms or the wrists of the golfer during a swing.

Another of the strokes a golfer must master and one that is equallydifficult to teach is a good, squarely-aligned, repetitive puttingstroke. Recreational players can lose valuable strokes that wouldotherwise significantly improve their scores, by taking three and fourputts per green. Even professional players are greatly affected by theirability (or lack thereof) to putt. Good or even proficient putting maybe the difference between a professional attaining or retaining theirtour privileges, making or missing a cut in a tournament, or evenwinning or losing a tournament.

One way in which golfers' can improve their putting stroke is to use analignment system. A variety of patents have issued that describe putteralignment methods, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,165,691; 5,169,150;5,193,812; 5,207,429; 5,213,331; 5,330,188; and 5,388,832. Most of thesealignment methods involve reference lines, lighted guides, markedtraining mats, or some combination thereof.

While teaching professionals manually instruct their students to changecertain aspects of their swing (whether for drivers, fairway woods,irons or putters), they are often less than fully successful due to thedifficulty of the pupil carrying out such an oral instruction. Moreover,while numerous teaching aids for developing a golf swing have beeninvented and developed over the years, none is known to havesuccessfully addressed the specific ability to improve the teachingprofessional's ability to teach and have his pupil learn a properorientation of the club face in the address stance, backswing andfollow-through; to address the ability of the golfer to learn and/or topractice such swing on his/her own; and to practice a proper swingand/or putting technique.

In view of the above it is apparent that there exists a need in the artfor a swing training method and device for use on a golf club that, whencoupled together, provide a golfer with a removable (to keep the clubwithin all United States Golf Association rules and regulations and toallow it to be switched between clubs), yet substantially error-free wayof monitoring and improving their golf strokes. The present inventionprovides such a swing training method and device by using a lightprojecting apparatus, such as a laser, that provides a cross pattern torefine and improve a golfer's swing with different clubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a light projecting apparatus andmethod of using the light projecting apparatus for improving a golfstroke. In one embodiment, a method of practicing a golf stroke isdisclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a lightprojecting apparatus on a shaft of a golf club, projecting a beam oflight from the apparatus onto a surface below a club head of the golfclub to form a cross pattern of light on the surface, the cross patternhaving a first line of light substantially parallel to a bottom edge ofa striking face of the club head and a second line of light extendingthrough the striking face, and performing a swing with the golf club.

The light projecting apparatus may be a laser. In one embodiment, thelight is collimated, focused, or both. The second line of light mayextend for a distance before the striking face, and for a distancethrough the striking face of the club head. In one embodiment, at leastone of the first and second lines of light may extend for no greaterthan about 1 foot.

The method may include the step of detachably connecting the apparatusto the shaft of the golf club or removably inserting the apparatus intoa grip on the shaft of the golf club. The method may include the step ofadjusting the apparatus on the shaft to align the first line insubstantially parallel alignment to the striking face of the golf club.The method may include the steps of providing a guide line along asurface adjacent to the golf stroke or aligning the golf club strikingface with the desired golf stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

The method may include the steps of modifying the beam of light tochange the cross pattern into a line of light, wherein the line of lightis parallel to the striking face or the line of light passes through thestriking face. The method may include the step of modifying the beam oflight to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.

The golf club in the method may be a putter, an iron, a fairway wood ora driver.

In another embodiment, a method of practicing a putting strokedisclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a putter having ahead, a heel, a toe, a planar striking face, an offset hosel and ashaft, providing a light source separate from the putter head, directinglight from the light source adjacent the putter head, forming a crosspattern with the directed light, the cross pattern having a first lineof light substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking faceand a second line of light extending through the striking face, andaligning a putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.

The method may further comprise the steps of providing the light sourcewithin the shaft of the putter, and directing light through the shaft ofthe putter and through an aperture provided in a base of the offsethosel, such that the light strikes a surface below the putter head,wherein the golfer may align and practice a putting stroke path usingthe cross pattern of light.

The method may include the step of providing a lens on the base of theoffset hosel substantially covering the aperture, the lens forming thelight into a cross pattern. The method may include the steps ofselecting a lens from a group of lenses comprising lenses that form atleast the cross pattern, a line pattern and a dot pattern, and removablyconnecting the selected lens to the base of the hosel substantiallycovering the aperture to form the desired light pattern.

The method may include the step of aligning the golf club striking facewith the desired putting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.The method may include the step of modifying the beam of light to changethe cross pattern into a line of light, wherein the line of light isparallel to the striking face or wherein the line of light passesthrough the striking face. The method may include the step of modifyingthe beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dot of light.

In another embodiment, a putter is disclosed. The putter comprises ahead comprising an offset hosel, a heel, a toe and a planar strikingface, a hollow shaft attached to the hosel, a light projecting apparatusprovided within the shaft, and an aperture provided at a base of thehosel, wherein the light projecting apparatus is adapted to direct lightthrough the shaft and hosel to a surface below the putter head, thelight forming a cross pattern on the surface.

The cross pattern may comprise a first line of light substantiallyparallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and a second line oflight extending through the striking face. The putter may include a gripat a distal end of the shaft opposite the hosel, the light projectingapparatus may be removably provided within the grip.

The putter may also comprise a removable lens at the base of the hoselsubstantially covering the aperture and adapted to form the light intothe cross pattern. A second lens may be removably connectable to thebase to substantially cover the aperture and adapted to form the lightinto a line of light. A third lens may be removably connectable to thebase to substantially cover the aperture and adapted to form a dot oflight.

The light projecting apparatus may be adapted to project light to form aline or a dot. A pattern selection mechanism may be provided on thelight projecting apparatus, the pattern selection mechanism forselecting a pattern of light including at least the cross pattern, aline pattern or a dot pattern.

In yet another embodiment, a golf stroke training device for attachmentto a golf club is disclosed. The golf stroke training device comprises alight source providing a beam of light in a cross pattern, a housing forhousing the light source, an attachment mechanism for removably securingthe housing to a shaft of a golf club, wherein the cross pattern assistsin aligning the striking face of the golf club and practicing a golfstroke path.

The cross pattern may comprise a first line of light is adapted toextend substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face anda second line of light is adapted to extend through the striking face.The light source may be adapted to project light to form a line or adot. A pattern selection mechanism may be provided on the light sourcefor selecting a pattern of light, the patterns including the crosspattern, a line pattern or a dot pattern.

A removable lens may be provided at a first end of the light source, thelens forming a cross pattern with the light. A second lens may beremovably connectable to the first end of the light source, the lensadapted to form the light into a line of light. A third lens may beremovably connectable to the first end of-the light source, the lensadapted to form the light into a dot of light. A switch may be providedon the light source for turning the light source on and off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention are disclosed in theaccompanying drawings, wherein similar reference characters denotesimilar elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a light projecting apparatus accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of removable lenses for use with the lightprojecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1detachably connected to a golf club according to the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism for use withthe present invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternative attachment mechanism foruse with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a putter head for use with the presentinvention having the light projecting apparatus of FIG. 1 and generatinga cross-pattern of light;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the putter according to FIG. 4 having the lightprojecting apparatus;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the putter according to FIG. 4 having the lightprojecting apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the grip end of the putter according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the grip end of the putter accordingto FIG. 7 showing the light projecting apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the putter head and cross pattern of light atvarious positions during the putting stroke;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a golfer with a golf club having thelight projecting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 11 A-C are front views of a portion of a backswing from thegolfer's perspective using a golf club and the light projectingapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the light projecting apparatus of FIG.1 detachably connected to a golf club according to another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism for use with agolf club and light projecting apparatus according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14A is an end view of a putter at a first address stance positionhaving the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13;

FIG. 14B is a top view of the putter of FIG.1 4A showing the location ofthe cross pattern of light for the first address stance position;

FIG. 15A is an end view of a putter at a second address stance positionhaving the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B is a top view of the putter of FIG. 15A showing the location ofthe cross pattern of light for the second address stance position;

FIG. 16A is an end view of a putter at a third address stance positionhaving the attachment mechanism of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 16B is a top view of the putter of FIG. 16A showing the location ofthe cross pattern of light for the third address stance position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for practicing a golf swing is disclosed. As illustrated inFIGS. 1A-2, a light projecting apparatus or light source 20 is mountedon a portion of a shaft 22 of a golf club 24. The golf club 24 isprovided with a club head 26 having a striking face 28 with a sweetspot, which is generally aligned with the center of mass of the clubhead 26 and the portion of the striking face 28 which is designed toimpact a golf ball during a golf stroke or putting stroke so that notwist is imparted to the shaft 22 during the stroke. The club head 26 isconnected to the shaft 22 through a hosel 30. The club head 26 includesa heel portion 32 adjacent the hosel 30 and a toe portion 34 oppositethe heel portion 32. A crown portion 36 is provided on the top of theclub head 26 and a sole portion 38 is provided on the bottom of the clubhead 26. As will be appreciated, the golf club 24 as illustrated in FIG.2 is a driver; however, one of skill in the art will understand that thepresent invention may also be used with fairway woods, irons and puttersas will be hereinafter described.

According to the present invention and referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, thelight projecting apparatus 20 may include a housing 40, which has asubstantially cylindrical cross-section and is preferably formed ofplastic material. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the housing 40 includes afirst end 42 having a removable closure 44 through which access may beobtained to the interior of the housing 40. Mounted within the housing40 is an energy source (not shown) such as batteries which areelectrically connected to a low power laser source (not shown) by way ofa switch assembly 46. The switch assembly 46 is shown in the “ON”position in FIGS. 2 and 4 whereby the laser source is activated to emita beam of light 48 which forms a pattern of light on a practice orputting surface 49 and the club head 26. With reference to FIG. 1, thelight beam 48 is directed through an opening 50 in a second end 52 ofthe housing 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light beam 48 is provided in a crosspattern 54 of light with first and second lines 56 and 58. The firstline 56 is intended to extend substantially parallel to a bottom edge 51of the striking face 28 of the club head 26, while the second line 58 isintended to extend through the striking face 28 of the club head 26, andwhen held in an address stance position to extend substantiallyperpendicular to the striking face 28.

The light projecting apparatus 20 may be any suitable light and may havea collimated and/or focused light beam. For example, the light may beemitted from a low power laser source such as a laser pointer, typicallya solid state laser of minimal power (typically less than about 5 mW anda class IIIa laser product). Any suitable light source may be used. Onesuch laser is the #100 pointer laser from Quarton, USA of Walnut, Calif.A laser that emits red, green or other colored light is contemplated bythe invention. Different color light may be easier to see when usedunder different lighting conditions. For example, when the device isused outdoors green light may be easier to see.

In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, removablelenses 60, 62, and 64 may be provided on the second end 52 of thehousing 40. The different lenses may modify the light beam 48, such thatthe beam is made into a cross pattern 54 with a first lens 60, a line oflight 68 with a second lens 62, or a dot 70 with a third lens 64. Thelenses may be removably secured to the second end 52 of the housing 40in any suitable manner. For example, the lenses may be removablyattached to the second end 52 of the housing 40 by a snap fit interfaceor by an interlocking threaded interface on the lens and the second end52 of the housing 40. As is known in the art, the lenses 60, 62 and 64may have any desired optics to transform the light beam 48 into thedesired pattern, including a cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 oflight. Different optics in the lens will generate different length orwidth lines. The optical lenses may be made of glass, plastic or anyother suitable material. The optical lenses have any suitable shape togenerate the desired pattern for the light beam. For example, acylindrical lens may generate a light beam into a fan to form a line. Itwill be appreciated that the lens for the dot 70 may not modify thelight beam 48, or that it may not be necessary to have a lens to formthe dot 70. For example, the user could use the laser without a lens toform the dot 70.

In an alternative embodiment, a single lens may be used to generate eachpattern so that the lens does not need to be interchanged. In anotherembodiment, a pattern selection mechanism (not shown) may be provided toautomatically modify the light beam 48 upon selection by the user, forexample by internally changing or moving the lens or by any othersuitable means, thereby generating the light beam into the desiredpattern, including the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 of light. Thepattern selection mechanism may be part of the laser.

The housing 40 may be detachably connected to the shaft 22 of the golfclub 24 by an attachment mechanism 66. It will be appreciated that anysuitable attachment mechanism 66 may be used and that the lightprojecting apparatus 20 may be permanently attached to the golf club 24.As illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing 40 may include at least one clamp72 to allow the shaft 22 of the golf club 24 to be inserted therebetweenand retained by friction. The light projecting apparatus 20 is therebysecured substantially parallel to the axis A-A of the shaft 22 of thegolf club 24. The clamp 72 may be integrally molded with the housing 40or the clamp 72 may be securable to the housing 40 using a fastener,such as a hook and loop fastener.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the attachmentmechanism 66 may include two side-by-side or opposing C-shaped clampmembers 74 and 76. The clamp members feature an opening 78, such thatthey may be friction fit on a substantially cylindrical member. Thefirst one of the clamps 74 may be inserted on the housing 40 of thelight projecting apparatus 20 and the second one of the clamps 76 may beinserted on the shaft 22 of the golf club 24.

In either embodiment, the user may rotate the housing 40 about the shaft22 and/or within the attachment mechanism 66 to align the first line 56such that it is substantially parallel to the striking face 28 of theclub head 26. It will be appreciated that any suitable attachmentmechanism 66 may be used to removably secure the light projectingapparatus 20 to the shaft 22 of the golf club 24, such that the lightprojecting apparatus 20 is aligned substantially parallel to the shaft22.

According to another embodiment, the present invention may be used on aparticular type of putter. Referring to FIGS. 4-10, a putter head 100,typically attached to a shaft 102 (only partially shown), comprises anoffset hosel 104 for receiving the shaft, a heel portion 106 at thehosel end of the putter head 100, and a toe portion 108 opposite theheel portion 106. Extending between the heel portion 106 and the toeportion 108 is a striking face 110, which is the surface that contactsthe golf ball (not shown) upon impact between the putter head 100 andthe golf ball. The striking face 110 generally includes a “sweet spot,”or the center of gravity in the toe to heel direction. The striking face110 may be comprised of the same material as the putter head or mayinclude an insert 110 a, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,231,458 (“the '458 patent”), which is incorporated herein, in itsentirety, by express reference thereto. If an insert 110 a is present,it preferably comprises a soft material, such as an elastomeric materialor a tellurium copper alloy. A vibration dampening means, such as anelastomeric material that is deformable may also be used with theoptional insert, as set forth in the '458 patent. In the preferredembodiment, the elastomeric material is a silicone material, Stock No.GE281, available from General Electric Company in Waterford, N.Y.

The striking face 110 has a loft angle, which may be any angle, but ispreferably less than about 10 degrees, more preferably, between about 2degrees and about 7 degrees, and most preferably, between about 3degrees and about 5 degrees. Preferably, the loft of the striking face110 is set so that the putter has 4 degrees of loft at impact for theindividual golfer using the putter.

Referring to FIG. 4, the putter further comprises the light projectingapparatus 20 that directs the light beam 48 to form the cross pattern 54with at least one first line 112 of light and at least one second line114 of light on a putting surface 118 and the putter head 100. The firstline 112 is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to a bottomedge 115 of the striking face 110, which is substantially planar andextends from adjacent the heel 106 to adjacent the toe 108 of the putterhead 100. Preferably, the first line 112 extends at least adjacent theheel 106 to at least adjacent the toe 108, and more preferably beyondboth the heel 106 and the toe 108. Still more preferably, the first line112 is about one foot in length. In another embodiment, the first lineextends up to at least several feet in length. The second line 114 isprovided on the top surface 116 of the putter head 100 and the puttingsurface 118, substantially extending through the striking face 110. Thesecond line 114 may be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 110and the first line 112, particularly in an address stance of the golfer.The second line 114 preferably extends beyond the striking face 110 ofthe putter, and more preferably extends beyond a back end 119 (FIG. 5)of the putter head 100. Still more preferably, the second line 114 isabout one foot in length. In another embodiment, the second line 114extends up to at least several feet in length.

The hosel 104 can form an angle relative to the top surface 116 of theputter head 100 to provide all or part of the lie angle. Generally,putter hosels extend from the putter perpendicularly and the shaftreceiving boss is angled to form the lie angle. However, in the presentinvention, the hosel itself can be angled. Preferably, the hosel 104forms an angle of about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees with the topsurface 116 of the putter head 100 and, more preferably, forms and angleof about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with the top surface 116 of theputter head 100.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the putter 100 comprises a grip 120 attached todistal end 122 a of the hollow shaft 102 and the offset hosel 104 forreceiving the proximal end 122 b of the shaft. The hosel 104 generallycontains a shaft boss 104b for receiving the shaft. The hosel 104further comprises a hosel aperture 104 a into which the hollow shaft 102is received.

The grip 120 has a first and second aperture 126 a and 126 b, the firstaperture 126 a for receiving the distal end 122 a of the shaft 102, andthe second aperture 126 b for receiving the light projecting apparatus20, such as that described above. The second aperture 126 b should havea diameter sufficiently sized to receive the light projecting apparatus20, while firmly retaining it in the aperture. The apertures may be anydiameter; however, preferred diameters are less than about 0.75 inches,more preferably less than about 0.5 inches, and most preferably lessthan about 0.3 inches. The aperture 126 b may be covered by a cap.

Further, the diameter of both the second aperture 126 b and the lightprojecting apparatus 20 should be smaller than the internal diameter ofthe hollow shaft 102 such that the light projecting apparatus 20 willfit inside and co-axial with the hollow shaft 102. The light projectingapparatus 20 is positioned substantially co-linear with the axis of thehollow shaft 102 such that the light beam 48 is directed through theshaft 102 and may emerge from the proximal end of the shaft 122 a andthrough the hosel aperture 104 a. The light beam 48 will be visible onthe putting surface 118 and on the putter head 100. As described above,the light beam 48 may be in a cross pattern, allowing a golfer to followthe track of the putting stroke and the orientation of the striking face110 while actually making the putting stroke. There is, therefore, amethod of training a golfer to align the striking face 110 of the putterand follow a proper putting stroke swing afforded by the above-describedlight-source-containing putter.

It will be appreciated that the lenses 60, 62 and 64 described abovewith regard to the light projecting apparatus 20 may be used with thelight source contained in the grip 120 or shaft 102 of the putter 100 tochange the light beam 48 into the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot 70 asdesired by the golfer. This may be done as described above with thedesired lens 60, 62 and 64 being removably connectable to the second end52 of the housing 40 of the light projecting apparatus 20.Alternatively, the lenses 60, 62 and 64 may be removably connectable tothe distal end of the hosel 104 at aperture 104 a to cover the apertureand change the light beam 48 into the cross pattern 54, line 68 or dot70, as desired by the golfer.

The golfer may removably insert the light projecting apparatus 20 intothe grip of the putter 100 when the golfer desires to practice theirputting technique. The light projecting apparatus 20 is easily removablefrom the putter so that the putter may comply with USGA rules. Also, itwill be appreciated that the light projecting apparatus 20 may then beused with other clubs in the same manner or by an attachment mechanism66 as described herein.

The below described method may be used with the light projectingapparatus 20 and attachment mechanisms 66 described above in FIGS.1A-3B, or with the light projecting apparatus 20 and putter 100combination of FIGS. 4-8. It will also be appreciated that although thecross pattern, line and dot are-illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 such that theywould be seen on a golf ball in front of the club head, it iscontemplated that the cross pattern, line or dot may be provided betweenthe golfer's feet and the golf ball or club head or beyond the golf ballor toe of the club head and that the cross pattern or dot may also beprovided to either side of the golf ball or club head.

In a method of aligning and practicing a putting stroke, a golfer holdsthe putter in the manner they typically would while addressing a golfball prior to making a putting stroke. The light projecting apparatus 20on the putter directs the light beam 48 to form a cross pattern 54 oflight on the putting surface 118 and on the putter head 100. The golfermay use the first and second line 112 and 114 to squarely align thestriking face 110 and to properly align the putter head 100 with thetarget. The golfer may use the cross pattern 54 while practicing aputting stroke, allowing the golfer to make adjustments in how theyswing the putter to perfect their putting stroke technique. The firstand second lines 112 and 114 assist the golfer in understanding how toproperly orient the striking face 110 and to keep the putter head 100oriented properly throughout the entire putting stroke (i.e., keepingthe second line perpendicular to the golfer throughout the swing). Notonly can the golfer ensure consistent putter head 100 orientation andproper putting stroke technique, but they can use the light projectingapparatus 20 as a training aid to correct and adjust poor or incorrectalignment with the target.

With reference to FIG. 9, a guide line 130 may be used to practice thegolf or putting stroke. The guide line 130 may be a line, string or tapeapplied in a straight line along the putting or practice surface 118. Itwill be appreciated that any other straight lines may be used for theguide line 130, including a straight line formed by the flooring, aswith the grout between tiles or by a practice mat. During the puttingmotion illustrated in FIG. 9, the cross pattern 54 generated by thelight beam 48 on the putting surface 118 and club head 100 is shownduring the address stance position 132, backswing 134 and follow-through136. It will be appreciated by viewing the FIG. 9 that contrary toordinary assumptions, the second line 114 of the cross pattern followsthe guide line 130 throughout the putting stroke, while the first line112 stays parallel to the striking face 110 of the club head 100throughout the stroke. Thus, at various points during the putting strokethe first and second lines 112 and 114 appear perpendicular to eachother, while at other points they do not (i.e., during the backswing andfollow-through).

In another embodiment, while practicing their golf stroke, the golfermay change the lens 60 on the housing 40 or on the putter 100 (asdescribed above) in order to change the light beam 48 from a crosspattern 54 to a line 68 or dot 70 of light. The golfer may use thedifferent lenses 60, 62 and 64 to perform different practice drills. Itwill be appreciated that the line 68 of light may be oriented as desiredby the golfer relative to the striking face 28 and 110. For example, theline 68 may be provided parallel to the striking face 28 and 110 or mayextend through the striking face 28 and 110. In yet another embodiment apattern selection mechanism provided on the light projecting apparatus20 may be used to switch between different light beam 48 patterns,including the cross 54, line 68 or dot 70 patterns of light. It will beappreciated that numerous different drills for practicing a golf swingmay be found effective when using the light projecting apparatus 20; thepresent invention intends to encompass these different techniques.

It will be appreciated that the light projecting apparatus 20 may beused during a non-putting golf stroke, for example, with irons, fairwaywoods and drivers as illustrated in FIG. 10. The light projectingapparatus may at least assist the golfer in understanding theorientation of the club face at various points during the golf stroke.As illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the cross pattern illustrates for thegolfer when the striking face 28 is not perpendicular to the ground at acertain desired point during their backswing and/or follow-through. Itwill be appreciated, that since the light beam 48 is not being directedat the ground or practice surface 49 during the backswing orfollow-through, the golfer, in order to more readily see the crosspattern 54 or other light beam 48, may place a wall or other surface 138(such as a screen) behind the desired portion of their swing. Thisallows the golfer to more readily see the cross pattern 54 or otherpattern of light from the light projecting apparatus 20.

For example, FIGS. 11A-11C show the club head 26 with the striking face28 in different orientations at the same point during the backswing whenthe golf club is substantially parallel to the practice surface orground 49. FIG. 11A illustrates a proper orientation for the strikingface 28 at this position with the striking face 28 being substantiallyperpendicular to the practice surface 49. The orientation of the crosspattern 54 on the wall 138 clearly illustrates this for the golfer. FIG.11B illustrates the striking face 28 being in a closed position (likelyto cause the golfer to hook the shot), with the striking face 28 and thecross pattern 54 oriented toward the practice surface 49 with the firstline 56 not being perpendicular to the practice surface 49. FIG. 11Cillustrates the club striking face 28 being in an open position (likelyto cause the golfer to slice the shot), with the striking face 28 andcross pattern oriented away from the practice surface 49 with the firstline 56 not being perpendicular to the practice surface 49. A golferupon seeing the cross pattern 54 will readily understand the position inwhich the striking face 28 is oriented and be able to modify theorientation of the striking face 28 at that point during their golfstroke to improve their golf swing.

FIGS. 12-16B illustrate a different use for the light projectingapparatus 20, to assist in improving a golfer's address stance. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, the light projecting apparatus 20 is connectedto the shaft of the golf club 24 in a different manner than describedabove. The housing 40 has a first end 42 that is connected to the shaft22 in a manner such that it swings freely like a pendulum from the shaft22. Gravity causes the second lower end 52 to hang straight downwardlyor plumb. It is preferable that a weight 140 be placed adjacent thesecond end of the housing 40. For example, the weight 140 may betemporarily connected to the housing in any suitable manner, such as bya clip or hook and loop fastener. The weight 140 assists gravity inmaintaining the housing 40 in a straight downwardly orientation.

FIG. 13 illustrates one possible embodiment for an attachment mechanism66 to freely hang the light projecting apparatus 20 from the shaft 22 asdescribed above. The attachment mechanism 66 includes a C-shaped clamp142 for friction attachment to the shaft 22, and a ball/socket joint 144for the light projecting apparatus 20 to hang freely by gravity from theshaft 22 in a downward orientation so that the light projectingapparatus is vertical or plumb. The balusocket joint rotates freely andallows the light projecting apparatus to maintain a plumb position. TheC-shaped clamp may have either the ball or socket portion of the joint144, and the ball and socket may be press-fit into one another. As willbe understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, any suitableattachment mechanism 66 that allows the light projecting apparatus 20 tohang freely and downwardly by gravity may be used. Preferably, theattachment mechanism is removable so that the light projecting apparatusmay be used both as already described above and as described below.

FIG. 14A illustrates a golf club 24 having a light projecting apparatus20 attached according to FIGS. 12-13. In this particular instance aputter is illustrated, although other clubs may be used. The club isprovided at a first address stance position 146. The light projectingapparatus 20 projects a cross pattern 54 downwardly between the clubhead 148 and the feet of the golfer (not shown). As illustrated in 14A,the golfer is holding the shaft 150 so that the shaft 150 is leaningslightly to the left. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the cross pattern 54of light is shown on the practice surface 118 between the club and thegolfer, but off-center to the left of the club head 148. As illustratedin FIG. 15A, the golfer is holding the shaft 150 and club in a secondaddress stance position 152, so that it is oriented in a straightup-down position. In FIG. 15B, the cross pattern 54 of light is locatedon the practice surface 118 between the club head 148 and the golfer'sfeet (not shown) and directly behind the club head 148. As illustratedin FIG. 16A, the golfer is holding the shaft 150 and club in a thirdaddress stance position 154, so that it is leaning slightly to theright. As illustrated in FIG. 16B, the cross pattern 54 of light isshown on the practice surface 118 between the club head 148 and thegolfer's feet (not shown), but off-center to the right of the club head148. Thus, a golfer may use the light projecting apparatus to understandhow they are orienting the shaft and the club head in their addressstance position and correct their address stance position accordingly.

As will be appreciated, a golfer may use the light projecting apparatusin any of the above described embodiments and drills, and that the lightprojecting apparatus may be readily switched between these embodimentsfor use as desired by the golfer.

It will also be appreciated that although the cross pattern, line anddot are illustrated in FIGS. 1-11C such that they would be seen on agolf ball in front of the club head, it is contemplated that the crosspattern, line or dot may be provided between the golfer's feet and thegolf ball or club head or beyond the golf ball or toe of the club headand that the cross pattern or dot may also be provided to either side ofthe golf ball or club head.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scopeby the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodimentsare intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Anyequivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of thisinvention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition tothose shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilledin the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are alsointended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method of practicing a golf stroke, comprising the steps of:providing a light projecting apparatus on a shaft of a golf club;projecting a beam of light from the apparatus onto a surface below aclub head of the golf club to form a cross pattern of light on thesurface, the cross pattern having a first line of light substantiallyparallel to a bottom edge of a striking face of the club head and asecond line of light extending through the striking face; and performinga swing with the golf club.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lightprojecting apparatus is a laser.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thesecond line of light extends for a distance before the striking face,and for a distance through the striking face of the club head.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising the step of detachably connectingthe apparatus to the shaft of the golf club.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of: removably inserting the apparatus into agrip on the shaft of the golf club.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of: adjusting the apparatus on the shaft to alignthe first line in substantially parallel alignment to the striking faceof the golf club.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the stepof: providing a guide line along a surface adjacent to the golf stroke.8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: aligning thegolf club striking face with the desired golf stroke path using thecross pattern of light.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising thestep of: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into aline of light.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the line of light isparallel to the striking face.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein theline of light passes through the striking face.
 12. The method of claim1, further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to changethe cross pattern into a dot of light.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the golf club is a putter.
 14. The method of claim 1, whereinthe golf club is an iron.
 15. A method of practicing a putter stroke,comprising the steps of: providing a putter having a head, a heel, atoe, a planar striking face, an offset hosel and a shaft; providing alight source separate from the putter head; directing light from thelight source adjacent the putter head; forming a cross pattern with thedirected light, the cross pattern having a first line of lightsubstantially parallel to a bottom edge of the striking face and asecond line of light extending through the striking face; and aligning aputting stroke path using the cross pattern of light.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising the steps of: providing the light sourcewithin the shaft of the putter; and directing light through the shaft ofthe putter and through an aperture provided in a base of the offsethosel, such that the light strikes a surface below the putter head,wherein the golfer may align and practice a putting stroke path usingthe cross pattern of light.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising the step of: providing a lens on the base of the offset hoselsubstantially covering the aperture, the lens forming the light into across pattern.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the stepof: selecting a lens from a group of lenses comprising lenses that format least the cross pattern, a line pattern and a dot pattern; andremovably connecting the selected lens to the base of the hoselsubstantially covering the aperture to form the desired light pattern.19. The method of claim 15, wherein the light projecting apparatus is alaser.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second line of lightextends for a distance before the striking face and for a distancethrough the striking face of the club head.
 21. The method of claim 15,further comprising the step of: adjusting the apparatus on the shaft toalign the first line in substantially parallel alignment to the strikingface of the golf club.
 22. The method of claim 15, further comprisingthe step of: providing a guide line along a surface adjacent to the golfstroke.
 23. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of:aligning the golf club striking face with the desired putting strokepath using the cross pattern of light.
 24. The method of claim 15,further comprising the step of: modifying the beam of light to changethe cross pattern into a line of light.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the line of light is parallel to the striking face.
 26. Themethod of claim 24, wherein the line of light passes through thestriking face.
 27. The method of claim 15, further comprising the stepof: modifying the beam of light to change the cross pattern into a dotof light.